Optimist Sailing Program

Children ages 6 to 11 are taught the basics of sailing in an environment that focuses on fun and boating safety. Participants will learn sailing skills, terminology, and knots by means of games and activities, both on and off the water.

The Optimist dinghy is a 7-foot sail boat that is excellent for learning basic sailing skills. It's stable and can accommodate a wide range of child sizes and sailing abilities. It is well accepted as the best design for youth sail training. For these reasons, there are more Optimists than any other sail boat in the world!

Three progressive training levels are offered in the Optimist Program; Opti 1, Opti 2 and Opti 3. Each follow the CANSail 1, 2 and 3 curriculum respectively but are modified to be developmentally appropriate for younger and smaller sailors. For more information on CANSail (ages 12 and up) please Click Here.

Children ages 6 to 8 are introduced to sailing in an environment that focuses on fun and safety. Small and stable Optimist dinghies are used for this course with 2 students per boat. Topics include boating safety, steering and pulling in the sail, and how to balance, sit and move in an Optimist dinghy. Participants will have the chance to explore the water as they paddle and sail around in our protected marina and harbor. Additional activities include arts and crafts, games and beach play.

Course Code

2018 Dates

Times

OI A

July 3 - July 6

9 AM- 4 PM

OI B

July 9 - July 13

9 AM- 4 PM

OI C

July 16 - July 20

9 AM- 4 PM

OI D

July 23 - July 27

9 AM- 4 PM

OI E

July 30 - August 3

9 AM- 4 PM

OI F

August 7 - August 10

9 AM- 4 PM

OI G

August 13 - August 17

9 AM- 4 PM

OI H

August 20 - August 24

9 AM- 4 PM

Fees

Non-Members: $
Members: $

If the week you would like is Full when you check availability, please send an email to sailingdirector@wvyc.ca and we will add you to the waitlist as there may be additional spots opening up due to demand.

Based on the CANSail 1 syllabus Opti 1 creates a more confident atmosphere for the introductory sailor with one to two students per boat. By the end of the course, students will comfortably be able to sail around on the water in almost all directions relative to the wind while also developing the skills to sail solo.
Ages 7 to 12

Course Code

2018 Dates

Times

O1 A

July 3 - July 6

9 AM - 4 PM

O1 B

July 9 - July 13

9 AM - 4 PM

O1 C

July 16 - July 20

9 AM - 4 PM

O1 D

July 23 - July 27

9 AM - 4 PM

O1 E

July 30 - August 3

9 AM - 4 PM

O1 F

August 7 - August 10

9 AM - 4 PM

O1 G

August 13 - August 17

9 AM - 4 PM

O1 H

August 20 - August 24

9 AM - 4 PM

Fees

Non-Members: $
Members: $

If the week you would like is Full when you check availability, please send an email to sailingdirector@wvyc.ca and we will add you to the waitlist as there may be additional spots opening up due to demand.

Opti 2 teaches sailors more advanced skills including to sail on all points of sail with increased independence. By the end of the course, they are able to sail comfortably in light to medium winds by themselves. For sailors aged 7 to 12 years old.

Course Code

2018 Dates

Times

O2 A

July 3 - July 6

9 AM - 4 PM

O2 B

July 9 - July 13

9 AM - 4 PM

O2 C

July 16 - July 20

9 AM - 4 PM

O2 D

July 23 - July 27

9 AM - 4 PM

O2 E

July 30 - August 3

9 AM - 4 PM

O2 F

August 7 - August 10

9 AM - 4 PM

O2 G

August 13 - August 17

9 AM - 4 PM

O2 H

August 20 - August 24

9 AM - 4 PM

Fees

Non-Members: $
Members: $

If the week you would like is Full when you check availability, please send an email to sailingdirector@wvyc.ca and we will add you to the waitlist as there may be additional spots opening up due to demand.

Sailors are introduced to the exciting realm of sailboat racing. Topics include starting, tactics, strategy, and advanced boat handling skills that will enable students to be competitive at the local sailing level. Sailors generally require at least 2 weeks of training to complete the Opti 3 skill set. Additionally they are required to compete in a weekend regatta to complete the level. The Commodore's Cup regatta and the end of the summer is a fantastic event to complete this requirement. Opti 3 is for sailors aged 7 to 12 years old.

Course Code

2018 Dates

Times

O3 A

July 3 - July 13

9 AM - 4 PM

O3 B

July 16 - July 27

9 AM - 4 PM

O3 C

July 30 - August 10

9 AM - 4 PM

O3 D

August 13 - August 24

9 AM - 4 PM

Fees

Non-Members: $
Members: $

If the week you would like is Full when you check availability, please send an email to sailingdirector@wvyc.ca and we will add you to the waitlist as there may be additional spots opening up due to demand.

At the end of each summer, Royal Vancouver Yacht Club hosts a regatta for junior sailors from around Greater Vancouver. Competitors must have taken part in a Learn-to-Sail program over the summer. For many, this event was their very first regatta. For all, it is a great learning experience and often a stepping stone onto joining race teams.

West Vancouver Yacht Club’s Junior Program has been attending for many years and fielded a team of keen and enthusiastic sailors: In addition to WVYC, clubs participating included Sea Cadets, Mac Sailing, Hollyburn Sailing Club, Eagle Harbour Yacht Club, Bowen Island Yacht Club, Squamish Yacht Club, and of course, Royal Vancouver Yacht Club to name a few.

The Regatta concluded with a fabulous buffet banquet where Commodores of the various participating clubs are invited to be part of the prize giving dinner.

Regatta details will be announced closer to the date, but will be during the week following Learn to Sail, August 27th - 30th.